San Mateo County School Races

County Board of Education Member, Trustee Area 2

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Beverly Gerard, Incumbent

  • “Provide the educational opportunities, programs and tools our students need to be successful.”

Dana Johnson, Program Director / Commissioner

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • GerardSupport
  • JohnsonNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • GerardSupport
  • JohnsonNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • GerardSupport
  • JohnsonNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • GerardOppose
  • JohnsonNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • GerardSupport
  • JohnsonNo response

Cabrillo Unified School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area C

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Peter Tokofsky, Teacher/Dad /Journalist

  • “Improving educational outcomes.”

Lizet Cortes-Ronquillo

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • TokofskySupport
  • Cortes-RonquilloNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • TokofskySupport
  • Cortes-RonquilloNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • TokofskyOppose
  • Cortes-RonquilloNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • TokofskyOppose
  • Cortes-RonquilloNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • TokofskySupport
  • Cortes-RonquilloNo response

Cabrillo Unified School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area E

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Mary Beth Alexander, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Andrea Rosenthal, Teacher/Parent

  • “Teacher Retention and Recruitment through Compensation (Salary and Healthcare)”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • AlexanderNo response
  • RosenthalSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • AlexanderNo response
  • RosenthalNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • AlexanderNo response
  • RosenthalOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • AlexanderNo response
  • RosenthalOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • AlexanderNo response
  • RosenthalSupport

South San Francisco Unified School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area C

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Chialin Hsieh, Incumbent

  • “Teaching and Learning, Teachers & staff, Fiscal stewardship, Families and community”

Avin Sharma, Parent/Finance Administrator

  • “Raise student achievement through measurable goals, early support, and high standards.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • HsiehSupport
  • SharmaSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • HsiehSupport
  • SharmaSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • HsiehSupport
  • SharmaOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • HsiehOppose
  • SharmaOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • HsiehSupport
  • SharmaSupport

South San Francisco Unified School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area E

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Frank Lara, Teacher/Union Leader

  • “Accountability for where our money goes, so it reaches our kids and classrooms before consultants.”

Mina A. Richardson, SSFUSD Trustee

  • “Close achievement gap, a balanced budget and continue facilities modernization.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • LaraSupport
  • RichardsonSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • LaraOppose
  • RichardsonOppose

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • LaraOppose
  • RichardsonSupport

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • LaraOppose
  • RichardsonOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • LaraOppose
  • RichardsonSupport

San Mateo Union High School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area 3

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Diana Harris, Teacher/Mother

  • “Closing equity gaps in our schools.”

Jennifer Jacobson, Incumbent

  • “Ensuring every student graduates prepared with the knowledge & skills for their next steps in life.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • HarrisSupport
  • JacobsonSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • HarrisOppose
  • JacobsonSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • HarrisOppose
  • JacobsonSupport

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • HarrisOppose
  • JacobsonSupport

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • HarrisOppose
  • JacobsonSupport

San Mateo Union High School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area 5

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Kimo Rosenbaum, Parent/Software Engineer

  • “Promoting more purposeful use of technology to help the district, teachers, and students succeed”

Alison Proctor, San Mateo-Foster City School District Trustee

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • RosenbaumOppose
  • ProctorNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • RosenbaumOppose
  • ProctorNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • RosenbaumOppose
  • ProctorNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • RosenbaumSupport
  • ProctorNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • RosenbaumOppose
  • ProctorNo response

Sequoia Union High School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area A

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Amy Koo, Incumbent

  • “Foster a safe and inclusive learning environment so all students can be successful.”

Alon Shiran, Product Executive / Parent

  • “Bring back academic choice and honors classes so every student gets the challenge and path they need.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • KooSupport
  • ShiranSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • KooSupport
  • ShiranSupport

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • KooSupport
  • ShiranSupport

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • KooOppose
  • ShiranSupport

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • KooSupport
  • ShiranSupport

Sequoia Union High School District Member, Governing Board, Trustee Area D

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Michael Dekshenieks, Management Executive/Parent

  • No response received.

Sathvik Nori, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Brisbane School District Member, Governing Board

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Charlene Larson, Retired Federal Employee

  • No response received.

Emily Wirowek, Parent/Attorney

  • “Focusing on academic excellence and preparing for a changing future for our students.”

Morgan Finlay, Appointed Incumbent

  • No response received.

Sarah Duffy, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • LarsonNo response
  • FinlayNo response
  • WirowekSupport
  • DuffyNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • LarsonNo response
  • FinlayNo response
  • WirowekSupport
  • DuffyNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • LarsonNo response
  • FinlayNo response
  • WirowekOppose
  • DuffyNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • LarsonNo response
  • FinlayNo response
  • WirowekSupport
  • DuffyNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • LarsonNo response
  • FinlayNo response
  • WirowekOppose
  • DuffyNo response

Menlo Park City School District Member, Governing Board

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Jed Scolnick, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Sherwin Chen, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Maya Herstein, Parent

  • No response received.

Andrew Barnes, County of Santa Clara Facilities Professional

  • No response received.

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • ScolnickNo response
  • HersteinSupport
  • ChenNo response
  • BarnesNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • ScolnickNo response
  • HersteinNo response
  • ChenNo response
  • BarnesNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • ScolnickNo response
  • HersteinOppose
  • ChenNo response
  • BarnesNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • ScolnickNo response
  • HersteinOppose
  • ChenNo response
  • BarnesNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • ScolnickNo response
  • HersteinSupport
  • ChenNo response
  • BarnesNo response

Pacifica School District Member, Governing Board (Full Term)

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Bridget Hardt, Appointed Incumbent

  • No response received.

Grace Sobieski, Parent/Educator

  • No response received.

Christopher Swiedler, Parent/Software Engineer

  • “Improving transparency with parents and teachers so that we can make correct (and hard) decisions”

Laverne R Villalobos, Incumbent

  • No response received.

Rachel Durkin, Realtor/Parent

  • “Ensuring every decision we make is this truly the best and asking questions that further education.”

Tiffany Button, Quality Director/Parent

  • No response received.

Katy Bradley, Union Organizer/Parent

  • “My top priority is to pull Pacifica out of the current deficit.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • HardtNo response
  • DurkinSupport
  • SobieskiNo response
  • ButtonNo response
  • SwiedlerSupport
  • BradleySupport
  • VillalobosNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • HardtNo response
  • DurkinOppose
  • SobieskiNo response
  • ButtonNo response
  • SwiedlerSupport
  • BradleyOppose
  • VillalobosNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • HardtNo response
  • DurkinOppose
  • SobieskiNo response
  • ButtonNo response
  • SwiedlerSupport
  • BradleyOppose
  • VillalobosNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • HardtNo response
  • DurkinSupport
  • SobieskiNo response
  • ButtonNo response
  • SwiedlerNo response
  • BradleyNo response
  • VillalobosNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • HardtNo response
  • DurkinSupport
  • SobieskiNo response
  • ButtonNo response
  • SwiedlerSupport
  • BradleySupport
  • VillalobosNo response

Pacifica School District Member, Governing Board (Short Term)

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Kelly Mendoza, Education Programs Leader

  • “My priority is strategic planning for Pacifica Schools, avoiding decisions made under crisis.”

Elizabeth A. Bredall, Special Education Paraprofessional

  • No response received.

Tracey Simmons, Artist/Biologist

  • “Restoring trust and transparency between the school board and the Pacifica community.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • MendozaSupport
  • SimmonsSupport
  • BredallNo response

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • MendozaNo response
  • SimmonsOppose
  • BredallNo response

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • MendozaNo response
  • SimmonsOppose
  • BredallNo response

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • MendozaNo response
  • SimmonsOppose
  • BredallNo response

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • MendozaNo response
  • SimmonsSupport
  • BredallNo response

San Carlos School District Member, Governing Board

What does a school board member do?

A school board member votes on the school district’s budget, oversees the district superintendent and decides on curriculum, within the bounds of state law. The board also manages school facilities and votes on contracts, such as those with employee unions.

Candidates wishing to be included in this guide can email [email protected].

Candidates and Priorities

Boris Lipkin, Appointed San Carlos School District Member, Governing Board

  • “Strengthening academic quality, ensuring fiscal stability, delivering Measure H facilities upgrades.”

Megha Chawla, Tech Executive/Mother

  • “Ensure our budget sustains strong programs and supports our students, teachers and staff.”

Richard F. Wahl, Optician/Parent

  • “Sustainable school funding that protects academic excellence and keeps great teachers.”

Shivani Tripathi, Community Volunteer

  • “Every child growing. Supporting educators. Sustainable, transparent school funding.”

Positions on Key Issues

Shrinking budgets, evolving technology, and safety issues are top of mind for school boards across the state.

Cell phones in classrooms

Do you support banning cell phones in classrooms?

School districts have weighed concerns about distraction and cyberbullying with some parents’ desire to maintain communication with their children throughout the day.

  • LipkinSupport
  • WahlSupport
  • ChawlaSupport
  • TripathiSupport

Law enforcement officers

Do you support having law enforcement officers (often known as a school resource officers) on school campuses?

Supporters say the officers provide security and comfort to students and their families, while opponents argue they are too costly and over-police students.

  • LipkinOppose
  • WahlOppose
  • ChawlaSupport
  • TripathiOppose

School closures or consolidations

Would you support school closures or consolidations to account for under-enrollment or to solve a budget shortfall?

Enrollment in Bay Area schools dropped 10% between 2015 and 2025, and is projected to decline another 10% in the next decade, according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • LipkinNo response
  • WahlSupport
  • ChawlaOppose
  • TripathiOppose

Charter schools

Would you support new charter schools in the district?

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from many of the rules governing other schools in the district.

  • LipkinNo response
  • WahlOppose
  • ChawlaSupport
  • TripathiOppose

Teacher misconduct

Do you support California launching a database for hiring schools to see when teachers have been reported to the state for allegations of misconduct?

An effort in the state legislature to create a searchable database failed earlier this year. School administrators argue a database would provide timely information for hiring decisions, but teacher unions say only educators with substantiated complaints of egregious misconduct should end up in a database.

  • LipkinSupport
  • WahlSupport
  • ChawlaSupport
  • TripathiOppose

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